2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS tow

dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads. G
Warning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 59).
High-performance brake system The high-performance brake system is only
available on CLS 63 AMG.
G
Warning!
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide

optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to accommodate the performance capabilities
of the vehicle.
The brakes may produce a squeaking-type
noise depending on the
R
vehicle speed
R brake force applied
R ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of
individual

brake system components such as
brake pads or disks strongly depends on your
driving style and the conditions under which
you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style
calling for high-demand braking will cause
your vehicle’s brakes to wear more quickly. Driving off
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place
full load on the engine until the operating
temperature has been reached.
! When

driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. Doing so may cause serious damage to
the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Hydroplaning
Depending
on the depth of the water layer on
the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. In heavy rain or
when conditions indicate possible
hydroplaning: 212
Driving instructions
Operation
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Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings
and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When

washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Hand-wash
X Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.
X Only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.
X Only use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.
X Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.
X Do not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.
X Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.
X Rinse with clean water and dry with a
chamois thoroughly.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic

car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
X To protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using button g on
the climate control panel. !
Do
not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting $. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running
the vehicle through an automatic car wash
to prevent damage to the mirrors.
X When taking the vehicle through an
automatic conveyor-type car wash:
Make sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N.
When leaving the automatic car wash, make
sure the mirrors are folded out.
After running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the
windshield and the wiper blade inserts. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise
which can be caused by residual wax on the
windshield.
Ornamental moldings X
For regular cleaning and care of ornamental
moldings, use a damp cloth.
! Do
not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings
may have chrome appearance, they could
be made of anodized aluminum that will be
damaged when cleaned with chrome
cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean
those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of
which you are sure are chrome-plated, use
a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. 218
Vehicle care
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Vehicle equipment ............................
224
Where will I find ...? .......................... 224
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display ....................... 228
What to do if … .................................. 251
Unlocking/locking manually ...........261
Resetting activated NECK-PRO
active front head restraints .............264
Replacing SmartKey batteries ......... 264
Replacing bulbs ................................. 266
Replacing wiper blades ....................270
Flat tire .............................................. 271
Battery ............................................... 278
Jump starting .................................... 280
Towing the vehicle ............................281
Fuses .................................................. 284 223Practical hints
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Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual. Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
! Always keep the storage compartment
under the front passenger seat closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
i Check expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
The first aid kit is located in the storage
compartment at the front edge of the front
passenger seat. X
Pull handle : upward.
X Fold the lid down.
X Remove the first aid kit. Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor. i
Vehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
R Alignment bolt 13
R Collapsible wheel chock 13
R Electric air pump 14
R Jack 13
R Pair of universal pliers
R Towing eye bolt
R Valve extractor 14
R Wheel wrench 13
X Removing: Open the trunk (Y page 71).
X Lift the trunk floor using the floor handle.
X Engage the floor handle on the upper trunk
lip.
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
floor handle from the upper trunk lip and
lower the trunk floor before closing the
trunk.
X Remove the luggage box (if so equipped)
(Y page 227).
13 Vehicles with spare wheel only.
14 Vehicles with spare wheel with collapsible tire only. 224
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X
Insert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
X Turn mechanical key ; clockwise to
position 1.
The driver’s door is locked.
X Turn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
i This procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap. Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could
remain locked in park position P. In this case
the gear selector lever can be unlocked
manually, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
X Engage the parking brake. !
Do not use sharp objects to loosen the
gear selector lever cover in the center
console, as this could damage the gear
selector lever cover or the center console.
X Insert a flat, blunt object into the left edge
of gear selector lever cover : at the
positions indicated by the arrows.
X Loosen gear selector lever cover : using
this object. X
Pull gear selector lever cover : out and
remove.
X Simultaneously push down release ; and
move the gear selector lever out of park
position P.
The gear selector lever is unlocked.
i The gear selector lever is locked again as
soon as you move it back to park position
P. Fuel filler flap
G
Warning!
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
In case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, you can open it
manually.
The fuel filler flap release is located on the
passenger side in the trunk behind the side
trim panel.
X Open the trunk (Y page 71).
X Remove side trim panel.
i Removing the side trim panel is a
demanding process. We recommend that
you contact Roadside Assistance
(Y page 166) if you do not feel to have the
ability to perform this process. Unlocking/locking manually
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X
Pull fuel filler flap release : in direction of
arrow.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
X Open the fuel filler flap ( Y page 176).
X Reinstall side trim panel.
X Close the trunk. Resetting activated NECK-PRO active
front head restraints
If the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
have been triggered in a rear-end collision,
they must be reset.
You can tell that the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints have been triggered when
they have been moved forward and cannot be
adjusted. G
Warning!
For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a
rear-end collision. G
Warning!
When pushing back the head restraint
cushion, make sure your fingers do not
become caught between the head restraint
cushion and the cover. Failing to do so may
lead to injury.
! Be careful not to damage upholstery.
i For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. X
Take reset tool : out of the Mercedes-
Benz literature pouch.
X Guide reset tool : into rectangular
opening = between head restraint
cushion ; and head restraint cover.
X Press reset tool : downward in direction
of arrow until you hear the head restraint
release mechanism audibly engage.
X Pull out reset tool :.
X Firmly press the head restraint
cushion ; backward towards the head
restraint cover in direction of arrow until it
engages.
X Repeat this procedure for the second front
seat.
X After resetting the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints store reset tool : in the
Mercedes-Benz literature pouch.
For information on NECK-PRO active front
head restraints, see “NECK-PRO active front
head restraints” ( Y page 50).
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Seats” ( Y page 77). Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 264
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battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
X
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer. Jump starting
G
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never
lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit. If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any

other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the 280
Jump starting
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vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The battery is located in the trunk underneath
the luggage box ( Y page 227).
X Make sure the two vehicles do not touch.
X Switch off all electrical consumers. X
Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X Open the trunk. Position
A represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
X Remove cover from battery positive
terminal ;.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
X Connect positive terminal : of charged
battery A with positive terminal ; with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal : of charged battery A first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with charged
battery A and run at idle speed.
X Connect negative terminal = of charged
battery A with negative terminal ? with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal = of charged battery
A first. X
Start engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
X Remove the jumper cables from negative
terminals = and ? first.
X Remove the jumper cables from positive
terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground Towing the vehicle
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